Research Scientist I/II, Process Development

Description

Watchmaker Genomics is an early-stage life science company based in Boulder, Colorado. Our team is passionate about innovation and values collaboration, creativity, and scientific rigor. We believe the intersection of biology, engineering, and computer science presents exciting opportunities for developing novel technologies that promote research and improve human health. Watchmaker Genomics specializes in the design, development, and production of DNA- and RNA-modifying enzymes that enable high-growth applications in genomics, molecular diagnostics, and personalized medicine.

Position Summary

Watchmaker is inviting applications for the full-time Research Scientist I/II, Process Development position focusing on bioprocessing (fermentation and protein purification) procedures.

This position reports to the Process Development US Team Lead and will be responsible for the optimization, design transfer, validation, and maintenance of bioprocessing procedures to support on-market and novel products while operating in compliance with our quality management system (QMS). The ideal candidate will have experience in microbial fermentation, protein expression, chromatography, and enzymology with a broad understanding of molecular biology applications such as next generation sequencing (NGS). Additionally, the ideal candidate will understand critical aspects of design transfer, process validation, and applicable national and international standards, such as ISO 13485:2016.

The successful candidate will thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced working environment and contribute directly to our company culture and success. The position provides an opportunity to gain valuable experience in product development and leadership to complement a strong technical background.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with R&D, Product Management, and Production to design, develop optimize, and transfer production processes
• Support activities throughout the product life cycle, including:
  • New/existing raw material qualification and implementation
  • Identification of key opportunities to mitigate risks
  • Non-conformance investigations, root cause analysis, and compliant implementation of change
  • Process design, characterization, and optimization
  • Design transfer to Production including training and assessments
  • Process validation including OQ/PQ/PPQ where applicable
• Author, revise, and publish work instructions, batch record templates, risk analyses (e.g. FMEA), and related documentation
  Independently design, execute, and record experiments with scientific rigor:
  • Analyze and interpret experimental results using appropriate statistical analyses
  • Record, communicate, and present findings with accuracy and clarity
  • Utilize findings to drive improvements while maintaining compliance within the QMS
• Lead and/or contribute to continuous improvement and New Product Development (NPD) projects
• Contribute to technology/equipment development with the goal of improving product quality, and/or increasing the efficiency of manufacturing processes
• Contribute to laboratory maintenance including ordering of raw materials, maintaining equipment and cleaning/organizing the lab
• Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications and Experience

• A strong passion for developing processes used in a manufacturing environment
• Knowledge and an understanding of production processes and manufacturing technologies
• Experience with bioprocessing techniques including: microbial cell banking; microbial protein expression; cell harvesting technologies; FPLC and Cytiva AKTA purification systems; tangential flow filtration; and protein formulation and storage
• Experience with techniques such as PCR, molecular cloning, electrophoresis, densitometry, RNA/DNA quality/quantification/fragment analysis, next-generation sequencing (NGS) and enzyme characterization would be an advantage
• Experience in product development and presenting technical information to groups with various scientific backgrounds
• Demonstrated scientific excellence in technical work, written and verbal communication
• Knowledge of ISO standards (13485:2016) and experience operating within a QMS
• Strong interpersonal skills and an ability to work as an effective member of a goal-oriented team
• Adept and creative problem-solving skills
• Excellent organizational skills and outstanding attention to detail
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Experience in epigenomics and/or DNA methylation analysis techniques is a plus

Education Requirements

Minimum of BS/BA with 5+ yrs industry experience, or minimum of MS with 2+ years of industry experience, or minimum of PhD + 0 years industry experience for Research Scientist I. Open to applicants with more experience.

Compensation

The base compensation for the Research Scientist I, Process Development role starts at $75,000-$85,000 + generous bonus + equity; actual pay will be adjusted based on skills and experience. Employees are eligible for Flexible Time Off, Holidays, Medical, Dental, Vision, Life/AD&D, Short Term Disability, EAP, and a 401(k) retirement plan.

Application Procedure

To apply for the position, please submit the following documents in a PDF format on watchmakergenomics.com:

• Letter of motivation
• Resume or Curriculum vitae, highlighting relevant qualifications and experience

Applications without a Letter of Motivation will not be considered. Local candidates preferred.

If selected to participate in the interview process, the names and contact information of three professional references who are able to assess your suitability for the position in terms of the specified requirements will be requested.